The Most Famous Basketball Player from UNC, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the basketball player you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 27, 2024 07:03

Basketball enthusiasts often debate the merits of stars who’ve dazzled fans with their skills and victories, especially alumni from top programs like UNC. Determining who stands out the most not only stirs up engaging conversations but also revives memories of game-changing plays and crucial matches. By ranking these players, fans can contribute to recognizing the greatness of their favorite athletes while participating in a community of like-minded individuals. This dynamic list reflects the opinions of fans worldwide, updating in real time as votes are cast. It provides an opportunity for each fan to weigh in on who they believe truly epitomizes the spirit and skill of UNC basketball. Engaging with this list, fans aren't just passive observers but active participants shaping the narrative of sports history.

Who Is the Most Famous Basketball Player from UNC?

1

56
votes
Quadzilla99 · CC BY-SA 2.0

Michael Jordan

Nike

Michael Jordan is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Jordan played for UNC from 1981-1984 and led the Tar Heels to a National Championship in 1982. He went on to have a legendary NBA career, winning six championships with the Chicago Bulls.
Michael Jordan is a basketball shoe released by Nike in collaboration with the renowned professional basketball player Michael Jordan. It is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and successful sneaker lines in history, known for its innovative design, performance, and cultural impact.

Release Year: 1984

Design Inspiration: Michael Jordan's playing style

Technology: Air cushioning for enhanced comfort and support

Materials: Combination of leather and synthetic materials

Colorways: Numerous color options and collaborations
Michael Jordan in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous celebrity in North Carolina
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Chicago Bulls player
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Duke Basketball player
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous Michael Jackson
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous cigar smoker
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous African American
2

41
votes

Zeke Smith from Chapel Hill, NC, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0

James Worthy

James Worthy is another member of the 1982 National Championship team, Worthy was a dominant force for UNC, averaging 15.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game during his three-year career. He went on to win three championships with the Los Angeles Lakers.
3

27
votes

Danny Bollinger · CC BY 2.0

Vince Carter

Vince Carter is a high-flying dunker and versatile scorer, Carter played for UNC from 1995-1998 and helped lead the Tar Heels to the Final Four in 1997. He went on to have a long and successful NBA career, earning eight All-Star selections.
4

15
votes

Gamecock Central · CC BY 2.0

Jerry Stackhouse

Jerry Stackhouse is a prolific scorer for UNC, Stackhouse averaged 19.2 points per game during his two-year career and led the Tar Heels to the Final Four in 1995. He went on to have a successful NBA career, earning two All-Star selections.
5

22
votes

All-Pro Reels from District of Columbia, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0

Antawn Jamison

Antawn Jamison is a two-time National Player of the Year, Jamison was a dominant force for UNC in the late 1990s. He averaged 19.0 points and 9.9 rebounds per game during his three-year career and led the Tar Heels to back-to-back Final Four appearances in 1997 and 1998.
6

15
votes

Keith Allison from Baltimore, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0

Rasheed Wallace

Rasheed Wallace is a versatile big man with a deadly outside shot, Wallace played for UNC from 1993-1995 and helped lead the Tar Heels to the Final Four in 1995. He went on to have a successful NBA career, winning a championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2004.
7

5
votes

Jim Greenhill from McLean, USA · CC BY 2.0

Sam Perkins

Sam Perkins is a dominant big man for UNC in the early 1980s, Perkins averaged 15.9 points and 8.6 rebounds per game during his four-year career. He was a key member of the 1982 National Championship team and went on to have a successful NBA career, earning one All-Star selection.
8

11
votes

Bluepjs23 · CC BY 2.0

Tyler Hansbrough

Tyler Hansbrough is a tenacious and hardworking forward, Hansbrough played for UNC from 2005-2009 and was a four-time All-American. He helped lead the Tar Heels to the National Championship in 2009 and finished his career as the ACC's all-time leading scorer.
9

6
votes

Unknown University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill · Public domain

Phil Ford

Phil Ford is a dynamic point guard for UNC in the late 1970s, Ford was a two-time All-American and led the Tar Heels to the National Championship game in 1977. He went on to have a brief but successful NBA career, earning one All-Star selection.
10

8
votes

flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com · CC BY-SA 3.0

Brad Daugherty

Brad Daugherty is a dominant center for UNC in the mid-1980s, Daugherty averaged 20.2 points and 9.0 rebounds per game during his four-year career. He helped lead the Tar Heels to the Final Four in 1986 and went on to have a successful NBA career, earning five All-Star selections.

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Ranking factors for famous basketball player

Skill and accomplishments on the court

this includes factors such as the number of points scored, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, and championships won.
Impact on the basketball program

this includes factors such as the player's contribution to the growth and success of the basketball program at UNC.
Overall influence on the sport of basketball

this includes factors such as the player's impact on the game of basketball as a whole, their influence on future basketball players, and their cultural impact.
Popularity and recognition

this includes factors such as the player's popularity and recognition among fans, media, and peers.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous basketball player from UNC. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or player is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1619 views
205 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each player once every 24 hours. The rank of each player is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous basketball player from unc

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has a rich history of producing some of the greatest basketball players of all time. Many of these players have gone on to achieve great success in the NBA, with several of them being considered among the all-time greatest. When it comes to determining the most famous basketball player from UNC, there are many factors to consider, including career statistics, overall impact on the sport, and popularity among fans. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most notable UNC basketball players and attempt to determine who deserves the title of the most famous of them all.